At Kirkwood Homes, we believe that creating new developments is about much more than building houses - it’s about nurturing communities where families can thrive. That’s why, as part of our Strabathie Village development in Blackdog, we’re proud to have partnered with Banbury Cross Nursery to celebrate the village, its people, and the next generation of local residents.
Recently, the children from Banbury Cross have been captivated by our construction site at Strabathie Village, so we have donated a set of mini diggers for the nursery’s garden and welcomed the children for a special site visit led by our Site Manager, Ewen.
The smiles on their faces said it all - from sitting in the toy diggers to exploring how a new community is built, the visit was a day to remember. For us, it was equally special to see the children’s curiosity and excitement, while giving them a real sense of connection to the place that many of them may one day call home.
But what makes Blackdog such a brilliant place for young families? We sat down with a member of the Banbury Cross team to hear more about life in the village, and why Strabathie Village is such a unique opportunity for families looking to settle here.
How would you describe the community in Blackdog to someone new?
“Blackdog is a peaceful, family-friendly village with a strong community spirit. It’s a calm and welcoming place that's becoming increasingly popular with young families. While the village is growing, it still holds onto that cosy, friendly atmosphere where neighbours know each other and it’s easy to feel at home.”
What do you think draws families here?
“The location is a big draw - you’ve got the countryside and city both within easy reach. Families love the quiet streets, the space for kids to play, and the safety of a smaller community.”
What makes Blackdog a great place for children to grow up?
“It’s the kind of place where childhood feels a bit more like it used to. Lots of outdoor time, exploring nature, and being part of a friendly village. There’s plenty of space to burn energy and enjoy unstructured play. Kids here get to grow up surrounded by nature, but still connected to a supportive community.”
Are there any nearby walks, or hidden gems families should know about?
“Definitely! The beach is right on our doorstep and it’s one of our favourite spots. There’s an upgraded playpark that the children love, and just beside it is the “fieldy” which is our go-to grassy area for having picnics, running around with friends and events such as our annual sports day.”
What are some of the things parents mention that they love about living in Blackdog?
“We hear a lot about how peaceful and safe it feels. It has a rural feel, and with the city just a short drive away, you really do get the best of both worlds.”
What kind of activities and support are on offer for parents of young children?
“At Banbury Cross, we’re always here to support families, whether it’s sharing updates and photos, having a quick chat at drop-off, or just being that familiar, friendly face each day. We offer funded places for 3-5 year olds and eligible 2 year olds, and we’re open 50 weeks of the year, including most bank holidays, which gives working parents that extra bit of flexibility. Our nursery has a real home-from-home feel, which makes it easier for parents to head off to work knowing their little ones are in safe, loving hands.”
What makes Banbury Cross unique?
“Banbury Cross is unique because it’s a family-run nursery with nearly 20 years of experience in early years care. There's a real focus on creating a warm, homely environment where children feel safe, valued, and loved, just like they would at home. The team is highly experienced and genuinely passionate about supporting each child as they grow into confident, independent little people.
What really sets us apart is the strong partnership we build with parents. We take the time to understand each child’s individual routine, so their transition into nursery life is as smooth and comforting as possible. Our nursery spaces are bright, stimulating, and designed to encourage curiosity and exploration, both indoors and out.
We’re lucky to have a large secure garden, and we make the most of our surroundings with regular walks to the beach, local parks, and nature spots - even the babies get out and about! It’s this mix of high-quality care, personal attention, and a love for the outdoors that really makes Banbury Cross special.”
How does the nursery connect with the wider community?
“We love getting involved locally, and our relationship with Kirkwood at Strabathie Village has been such a highlight. The children have been fascinated by the diggers and machinery, and the team has been so welcoming. Site Manager Ewen even gave us a special tour, which was an amazing experience for the children. These real-world connections are invaluable - they spark curiosity, build confidence, and give children a real sense of belonging.”
How did the children enjoy their visit to Strabathie Village?
“Following the visit to Strabathie Village, the children returned to nursery full of inspiration and enthusiasm, which naturally fed into our ongoing topic work around "Homes and Houses." The experience provided a rich, real-world context that helped deepen their understanding of different types of homes, the people who build them, and the spaces we live in.
Feedback from the children about their visit included, “We had fun!” another said, “I liked seeing the diggers!”
The visit has truly enriched our topic, bringing learning to life in a fun and meaningful way. It has also opened up discussions about community, safety, and the various jobs people do to help build homes.”
Why do you think partnerships like this are important for the local area?
“Partnerships like the one we have with Kirkwood are such a great way to strengthen community ties. The children gain so much from seeing real-life projects up close, whether it’s watching the machinery, chatting with the workers, or even getting to visit the site. It gives them a better understanding of the world around them and sparks so much curiosity. We’re really grateful to Kirkwood for being so welcoming, especially Site Manager Ewen, who took the time to meet the children and show them around. It’s these kinds of real-world experiences that help children build confidence, develop awareness, and see the value of community connection in action. It shows the value of working together and highlights what makes Blackdog such a special place to live.”
Our collaboration with Banbury Cross Nursery is just one example of how Strabathie Village is a development that’s at the heart of a growing, family-focused community. With beautiful homes, the beach on your doorstep, and the city only minutes away, it’s a place where children can enjoy the freedom of village life while families benefit from modern convenience.
At Kirkwood Homes, we’re passionate about building more than houses - we’re building the foundations for strong, thriving communities, and we’re delighted to be doing just that at Strabathie Village.
